Does anyone use an app to find wifi hotspots

In order for an app to be useful, you'd need to be in a place with Wi-Fi (or the app won't work), but going to a place where you weren't sure if it existed (if you know for sure, one way or another, you don't need the app). You'd need to be able to be flexible; for instance, if you're going to a museum, you could find out that the museum didn't have Wi-Fi, but the cafe across the street did. You'd then have to leave the museum to use the Wi-Fi. Finally, you have to be willing and able to accept the terms of use; in the UK, I had several restaurants with Wi-Fi that I could only log into giving my e-mail, or by using a Facebook or Twitter login (I'm not on either one).

With all these restrictions, I don't see the usefulness of the app. I guess the main purpose would be if you were looking to do intensive internet stuff (like 30 minutes or more) and wanted to find a place to do it, away from your hotel. Otherwise, you'll probably just wait until you're back at the hotel.

Finally, would it be any better than Wi-Fi locator websites? I haven't looked at these in ages, so I don't know if they're still useful.

There are several apps like Wifi Finder or Wifi Map which have created a database of wifi hotspot locations and passwords. I use a couple of internet providers for work and home, but i do not have a mobile data plan so i rely 100% on wifi; both Telus and Shaw have their own brand specific app to show me where i can find free hotspots. However, i rarely use them.

Free wifi is so widespread that i just turn on and log on to what is immediately available. If not, i just wait until i get back to a known hotspot. My attitude is same as to when i see those posts asking for where is the best gelato in Rome? There is no way I am going to go traipsing all over town looking for a hotspot.